Commission Proposed That Would Explore Budget Process

A constitutional revision commission would be created to examine and recommend changes in the state’s budgetary process under legislation that has been introduced in the Assembly.

“The budget was not produced until well after the constitutional deadline last year, and most observers predict the budget will get bogged down again this year,” said Assemblyman Phil Isenberg (D-Sacramento), the author of the bill (AB 2398).

“This is reason enough to admit that the budgetary process is mired in confusing and conflicting mandates that need examination.”

The proposed commission would submit its preliminary recommendations to the Legislature and Gov. Pete Wilson by Nov. 1, 1992. The governor vetoed a similar measure last year.

GOVERNOR

Will attend the National Governors’ Conference in Washington, D.C., this weekend.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Female Athletes: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 41-28 vote a bill (AB 1868) by Assemblyman Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) that would let female athletes try out for high school male sports teams, but not vice versa.

Medic Immunity: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 50-9 vote a bill (AB 828) by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R-Santa Rosa) would grant limited immunity from civil liability to doctors who donate their services at privately operated shelters for the homeless.

Fair Games: Rejected on a 35-20 vote a bill (AB 1360) by Assemblyman Richard Floyd (D-Carson) that would require state licensing and standards to be set for games of skill played at fairs. Reconsideration requested.

Bill Introductions

Teen Suicides: AB 2386 by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) would authorize the state Department of Education to develop and distribute a model teen suicide prevention guide for use by local school districts.

Abortions: AB 2384 by Assemblyman Richard Mountjoy (R-Monrovia) would require hospitals and clinics to make detailed annual reports to the Legislature on each abortion performed.

Cable Television: AB 2388 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) would enact a video consumers’ bill of rights and set down certain requirements, including requiring cable television companies to provide a minimum of 30 days’ advance notice before increasing rates or decreasing the number of channels available.

Automated Teller Machines: AB 2389 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) would require operators of automated teller machines to inform customers how much it costs them to use those machines.

High School Graduation: AB 2390 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) would require satisfactory completion of a one-semester course in local and state government to graduate from high school.

Fishing: AB 2383 by Assemblyman Jerry Felando (R-San Pedro) would make it a misdemeanor for the owner or operator of a boat to allow an unlicensed person to fish from his or her boat unless that person is exempt from such a licensing requirement.

SENATE

Committee Action

Health Care: The Appropriations Committee approved a bill (SB 36) by Sen. Nicholas Petris (D-Oakland) that would establish a state-run health care system to cover all Californians that would be financed by increased taxes. A 7-5 vote sent the bill to the Senate floor.

Bill Introductions

Roofs: SB 1321 by Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) would require all new buildings in all areas of California to have fire-retardant roofs unless covered by more restrictive local requirements. Replacement roofing jobs of more than 50% also would be included. A violation would be a misdemeanor.